RTÉ are reportedly making ANOTHER major change to The Late Late Show, ahead of Patrick Kielty’s hosting debut.
The popular programme will return to our screens on September 15th, with comedian Patrick taking over from Ryan Tubridy at the helm.
According to The Irish Sun, producers are giving the Friday night show “a radical revamp” to make it similar to UK chat shows – such as The Jonathan Ross Show.
Bosses reportedly want to dump the show’s musical intervals – which has seen stars like the late Sinead O’Connor perform between guests.
A source told the outlet: “Everybody agrees the Late Late has to change. It’s impossible for the host to build up any chemistry between himself and the guests if they have to break for musical acts to perform.”
“There could still be spontaneous moments where a guest like Ed Sheeran pulls out a guitar and sings, or like Finbar Furey did with Christy Dignam, singing The Green Fields of France.”
“That was unplanned, and the better for it. The Late Late is going to be more unpredictable and exciting. Watch out.”
It comes after RTÉ revealed a brand new logo for The Late Late Show, and fans aren’t happy about it.
The broadcaster unveiled a new blue and white logo for the chat show earlier this week, but some people aren’t happy that the iconic owl has been removed from it.
The owl has been synonymous with the programme since it first aired in 1962.
#NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/IMFtV5bqqw
— The Late Late Show (@RTELateLateShow) August 17, 2023
Back in 2019, the iconic bird was officially named Gabriel in honour of the show’s original host Gay Byrne.
After revealing the show’s new logo on Twitter, many fans questioned why they got rid of the owl.
One Twitter user wrote: “Where’s the owl. Why do you constantly have to run out history. It’s disgusting.”
Another commented: “Where’s the owl? Late Late without the owl isn’t Late Late.”
According to the Irish Times, the running time of The Late Late Show has also been shortened to “approximately 90 minutes”.
This means Patrick will be on-air for about half an hour less than his predecessor Ryan Tubridy.
Ahead of the show’s return, RTÉ are looking for audience members to fill the studio every Friday night.
People can apply for tickets through a form online, and the application process has hinted at another format change.
In the form, applicants are asked if they have any “funny/interesting/extraordinary stories” that they would be “happy to contribute on air”.
This means Patrick could be planning on interacting more with the audience, compared to his predecessor Ryan Tubridy.
Hopefuls are also asked to share their Irish hero, their dream Late Late Show guest, Irish hero, and if they’d like to celebrate a “special event” on the show.
A post on the RTÉ website reads: “The Late Late Show is back on your screens this Autumn for a brand-new season with a brand-new host!”
“Patrick Kielty will be joined by a host of special guests each Friday night in front of a live studio audience, and we are thrilled to offer YOU the opportunity to come in and be part of the iconic Late Late Show experience.”
“If chosen, you will be contacted by a member of our team. You must be over-18 to apply. RTÉ reserves the right of admission. Tickets are strictly non-transferable.”
